Wipeout XL is the American version of Wipeout 2097, often cited as the finest series entry by purists. Technical circuits, iconic Auricom team, legendary Chemical Brothers/Prodigy soundtrack. Speed and adrenaline at their peak on PS1. An absolute masterpiece of futuristic racing.
Your verdict
Category
Racing2 players7+
Description
American Psygnosis variant of Wipeout 2097, released under the Wipeout XL title. Created by Psygnosis, released in 1996 in Asia, Japan and the United States under the Wipeout XL title. Over eight expanded 3D anti-gravity tracks, over eight upgradable F5000 League ships, over eight expanded weapons, The Designers Republic design and licensed electronica soundtrack by The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers and Future Sound of London. Multi-regional edition under the Wipeout XL title.
Wipeout XL review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Gameplay
"Masterful"
At these supersonic speeds, everything becomes anticipation: memorising the layouts, triggering the airbrakes at the right instant and placing your shots without easing off. The anti-gravity gliding sensation, married to a cult electro soundtrack, delivers an intact rush. The textures have aged, but the purity of the piloting and the sense of rhythm remain a peak of futuristic racing.
The Japanese and Asian version of the second Wipeout, rarer than the Western editions and sought by those wanting the original pressing of this stylistic peak of the series in its native language. This edition appeals to anti-gravity fans attentive to provenance. Its local run supports a value above the more common PAL and American versions.
Better with friends
An anti-gravity race as fast as it is aggressive, whose weapons and boosts turn every split-screen duel into a battle at breakneck speed. The competition blends tense piloting and opportunism, where dodging a shot or placing one at the right moment often decides the race. Spectacular and demanding, it unleashes nervy rivalries where you replay endlessly to tame its frantic tempo.
Is Wipeout XL still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 1996 on PS1 as Wipeout 2097 in Europe and Wipeout XL in the United States, Psygnosis Liverpool's project refines the original's formula with a purer speed feel, better balanced weapons and a sound design from The Designers Republic at its peak. The electronica soundtrack with Future Sound of London, Prodigy and Photek keeps its power. The handling stays demanding and the curve reading needs taming. Strongly recommended today for any futuristic arcade devotee and for Psygnosis fans curious about a label masterpiece on Sony's first home console hardware globally.
